100 US Citizenship Test Questions and Answers: Complete Guide

This article was last updated and fact checked on April 28, 2025 by Mani Karthik.

When I sat for my citizenship interview last year, I was so nervous about the civics test that I barely slept the night before.

I had heard stories about people failing because they couldn’t remember all those dates and names from American history.

After passing my test and helping several family members prepare for theirs, I can tell you that with the right study approach, the citizenship test is absolutely manageable.

I’ve created this comprehensive guide with all 100 questions and their official answers to help you prepare effectively.

Quick Overview: US Citizenship Test Format

The US citizenship test consists of two parts: English language proficiency and civics knowledge. For the civics portion, the officer will ask you up to 10 questions from a standard list of 100 questions. You must answer 6 correctly to pass.

Most applicants find that with proper preparation, the test is straightforward and passable.

Most USCIS officers are friendly and understanding, especially if they see you’ve made an effort to prepare.

The questions are asked exactly as written, and any of the listed answers are accepted as correct.

Complete List of US Citizenship Test Questions and Answers (2025)

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT

A: Principles of American Democracy

1. What is the supreme law of the land?

• The Constitution

2. What does the Constitution do?

• Sets up the government
• Defines the government
• Protects basic rights of Americans

3. The idea of self government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?

• We the People

4. What is an amendment?

• A change or addition to the Constitution

5. What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?

• The Bill of Rights

6. What is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?

• Speech
• Religion
• Assembly
• Press
• Petition the government

7. How many amendments does the Constitution have?

• Twenty seven (27)

8. What did the Declaration of Independence do?

• Announced our independence from Great Britain
• Declared our independence from Great Britain
• Said that the United States is free from Great Britain

9. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?

• Life
• Liberty
• Pursuit of happiness

10. What is freedom of religion?

• You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion

11. What is the economic system in the United States?

• Capitalist economy
• Market economy

12. What is the “rule of law”?

• Everyone must follow the law
• Leaders must obey the law
• Government must obey the law
• No one is above the law

💡 Pro Tip: Create flashcards with questions on one side and answers on the other. Carry them with you and practice whenever you have a few spare minutes, like while waiting in line or during your commute. This daily repetition is much more effective than cramming the night before your interview.

B: System of Government

13. Name one branch or part of the government.

• Congress
• Legislative
• President
• Executive
• The courts
• Judicial

14. What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

• Checks and balances
• Separation of powers

15. Who is in charge of the executive branch?

• The President

16. Who makes federal laws?

• Congress
• Senate and House (of Representatives)
• (U.S. or national) legislature

17. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?

• The Senate and House (of Representatives)

18. How many U.S. Senators are there?

• One hundred (100)

19. We elect a U.S. Senator for how many years?

• Six (6)

20. Who is one of your state’s U.S. Senators now?

• Answers will vary. Check your state’s current senators

21. The House of Representatives has how many voting members?

• Four hundred thirty five (435)

22. We elect a U.S. Representative for how many years?

• Two (2)

23. Name your U.S. Representative.

• Answers will vary. Find your representative

24. Who does a U.S. Senator represent?

• All people of the state

25. Why do some states have more Representatives than other states?

• (Because of) the state’s population
• (Because) they have more people
• (Because) some states have more people

26. We elect a President for how many years?

• Four (4)

27. In what month do we vote for President?

• November

28. What is the name of the President of the United States now?

• Donald Trump (Note: This will change with elections)

29. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?

• J.D. Vance (Note: This will change with elections)

30. If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

• The Vice President

31. If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

• The Speaker of the House

32. Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?

• The President

33. Who signs bills to become laws?

• The President

34. Who vetoes bills?

• The President

35. What does the President’s Cabinet do?

• Advises the President

36. What are two Cabinet level positions?

• Secretary of Agriculture
• Secretary of Commerce
• Secretary of Defense
• Secretary of Education
• Secretary of Energy
• Secretary of Health and Human Services
• Secretary of Homeland Security
• Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
• Secretary of the Interior
• Secretary of Labor
• Secretary of State
• Secretary of Transportation
• Secretary of the Treasury
• Secretary of Veterans Affairs
• Attorney General
• Vice President

37. What does the judicial branch do?

• Reviews laws
• Explains laws
• Resolves disputes (disagreements)
• Decides if a law goes against the Constitution

38. What is the highest court in the United States?

• The Supreme Court

39. How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

• Nine (9)

40. Who is the Chief Justice of the United States now?

• John Roberts

41. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal government?

• To print money
• To declare war
• To create an army
• To make treaties

42. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states?

• Provide schooling and education
• Provide protection (police)
• Provide safety (fire departments)
• Give a driver’s license
• Approve zoning and land use

43. Who is the Governor of your state now?

• Answers will vary. Find your state governor

44. What is the capital of your state?

• Answers will vary.

45. What are the two major political parties in the United States?

• Democratic and Republican

46. What is the political party of the President now?

• Republican (as of 2025 with President Trump)

47. What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?

• Mike Johnson (Note: This may change)

C: Rights and Responsibilities

48. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.

• Citizens eighteen (18) and older can vote.
• You don’t have to pay a poll tax to vote.
• Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)
• A male citizen of any race can vote.

49. What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?

• Serve on a jury
• Vote in a federal election

50. Name one right only for United States citizens.

• Vote in a federal election
• Run for federal office

51. What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?

• Freedom of expression
• Freedom of speech
• Freedom of assembly
• Freedom to petition the government
• Freedom of religion
• The right to bear arms

52. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?

• The United States
• The flag

53. What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?

• Give up loyalty to other countries
• Defend the Constitution and laws of the United States
• Obey the laws of the United States
• Serve in the U.S. military (if needed)
• Serve (do important work for) the nation (if needed)
• Be loyal to the United States

54. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?

• Eighteen (18) and older

55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

• Vote
• Join a political party
• Help with a campaign
• Join a civic group
• Join a community group
• Give an elected official your opinion on an issue
• Call Senators and Representatives
• Publicly support or oppose an issue or policy
• Run for office
• Write to a newspaper

56. When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?

• April 15

57. When must all men register for the Selective Service?

• At age eighteen (18)
• Between eighteen (18) and twenty six (26)

AMERICAN HISTORY

A: Colonial Period and Independence

58. What is one reason colonists came to America?

• Freedom
• Political liberty
• Religious freedom
• Economic opportunity
• Practice their religion
• Escape persecution

59. Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?

• American Indians
• Native Americans

60. What group of people was taken to America and sold as slaves?

• Africans
• People from Africa

61. Why did the colonists fight the British?

• Because of high taxes (taxation without representation)
• Because the British army stayed in their houses (boarding, quartering)
• Because they didn’t have self government

62. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

• (Thomas) Jefferson

63. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

• July 4, 1776

64. There were 13 original states. Name three.

• New Hampshire
• Massachusetts
• Rhode Island
• Connecticut
• New York
• New Jersey
• Pennsylvania
• Delaware
• Maryland
• Virginia
• North Carolina
• South Carolina
• Georgia

65. What happened at the Constitutional Convention?

• The Constitution was written.
• The Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution.

66. When was the Constitution written?

• 1787

67. The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers.

• (James) Madison
• (Alexander) Hamilton
• (John) Jay
• Publius

68. What is one thing Benjamin Franklin is famous for?

• U.S. diplomat
• Oldest member of the Constitutional Convention
• First Postmaster General of the United States
• Writer of “Poor Richard’s Almanac”
• Started the first free libraries

69. Who is the “Father of Our Country”?

• (George) Washington

70. Who was the first President?

• (George) Washington

B: 1800s

71. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?

• The Louisiana Territory
• Louisiana

72. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.

• War of 1812
• Mexican American War
• Civil War
• Spanish American War

73. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.

• The Civil War
• The War between the States

74. Name one problem that led to the Civil War.

• Slavery
• Economic reasons
• States’ rights

75. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?

• Freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation)
• Saved (or preserved) the Union
• Led the United States during the Civil War

76. What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?

• Freed the slaves
• Freed slaves in the Confederacy
• Freed slaves in the Confederate states
• Freed slaves in most Southern states

77. What did Susan B. Anthony do?

• Fought for women’s rights
• Fought for civil rights

C: Recent American History and Other Important Historical Information

78. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.

• World War I
• World War II
• Korean War
• Vietnam War
• (Persian) Gulf War

79. Who was President during World War I?

• (Woodrow) Wilson

80. Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II?

• (Franklin) Roosevelt

81. Who did the United States fight in World War II?

• Japan, Germany, and Italy

82. Before he was President, Eisenhower was a general. What war was he in?

• World War II

83. During the Cold War, what was the main concern of the United States?

• Communism

84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?

• Civil rights (movement)

85. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?

• Fought for civil rights
• Worked for equality for all Americans

86. What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?

• Terrorists attacked the United States

87. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.

• Cherokee
• Navajo
• Sioux
• Chippewa
• Choctaw
• Pueblo
• Apache
• Iroquois
• Creek
• Blackfeet
• Seminole
• Cheyenne
• Arawak
• Shawnee
• Mohegan
• Huron
• Oneida
• Lakota
• Crow
• Teton
• Hopi
• Inuit

INTEGRATED CIVICS

A: Geography

88. Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.

• Missouri (River)
• Mississippi (River)

89. What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?

• Pacific (Ocean)

90. What ocean is on the East Coast of the United States?

• Atlantic (Ocean)

91. Name one U.S. territory.

• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• American Samoa
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Guam

92. Name one state that borders Canada.

• Maine
• New Hampshire
• Vermont
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Ohio
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• North Dakota
• Montana
• Idaho
• Washington
• Alaska

93. Name one state that borders Mexico.

• California
• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Texas

94. What is the capital of the United States?

• Washington, D.C.

95. Where is the Statue of Liberty?

• New York (Harbor)
• Liberty Island
• [Also acceptable: New Jersey, near New York City, and on the Hudson (River)]

B: Symbols

96. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?

• Because there were 13 original colonies
• Because the stripes represent the original colonies

97. Why does the flag have 50 stars?

• Because there is one star for each state
• Because each star represents a state
• Because there are 50 states

98. What is the name of the national anthem?

• The Star Spangled Banner

C: Holidays

99. When do we celebrate Independence Day?

• July 4

100. Name two national U.S. holidays.

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents’ Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Studying for the Citizenship Test

1. Memorizing Without Understanding

Simply memorizing answers without understanding the concepts makes it harder to recall information under pressure. Take time to understand the historical context and significance.

2. Not Practicing With a Study Partner

Studying alone is less effective than practicing with someone who can ask you questions verbally, similar to the actual test environment.

3. Ignoring Current Political Information

Questions about current officials (President, Vice President, your state Governor, etc.) require up to date knowledge. Double check these answers close to your interview date.

4. Studying Only in English

If English is your second language, first understand the concepts in your native language, then learn the English answers. This builds true comprehension.

5. Not Using Official USCIS Materials

Some study guides contain incorrect information. Always verify your study materials against the official USCIS citizenship resource center.

FAQs About the US Citizenship Test

How many questions will I be asked on the citizenship test?

The USCIS officer will ask you up to 10 questions from the list of 100 civics questions. You need to answer at least 6 correctly to pass the civics portion of the test.

Can I take the citizenship test in my native language?

If you are 50 years or older and have lived as a permanent resident in the US for 20 years, or if you are 55 years or older and have lived as a permanent resident for 15 years, you can take the civics test in your native language with an interpreter. This is known as the “50/20” or “55/15” exception.

What happens if I fail the citizenship test?

If you fail either the English or civics test, you will be given another opportunity to take the failed portion again, usually within 60 to 90 days. If you fail a second time, your application will be denied, and you would need to reapply for naturalization.

Are there accommodations for disabilities?

Yes, USCIS provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. You need to submit Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions) completed by a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, or clinical psychologist.

Is the test different in 2025 than previous years?

The core 100 questions remain largely the same, but answers to questions about current officials (President, Vice President, Speaker of House, etc.) are updated to reflect the current administration. Always check the most recent USCIS study materials before your interview.

Bonus Tips for US Citizenship Test Success

Study in multiple short sessions. Research shows that studying in 15 to 20 minute intervals with breaks is more effective than long cram sessions.

Create association techniques. Connect facts to images, stories, or personal experiences to make them easier to remember.

Take practice tests online. USCIS and many citizenship organizations offer free practice tests that simulate the real experience.

Watch educational videos. Visual content about American history and government can make the information more engaging and memorable.

Learn about your local representatives. Questions about your state’s senators, representatives, and governor are personalized to where you live, so focus on these specific answers.

💡 Pro Tip: If you are 65 years or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, you qualify for the “65/20” special consideration. You only need to study 20 specific questions from the 100 questions list, and you can take the test in your native language with an interpreter. Request this accommodation when you file your N-400 application.

Key Takeaways for Citizenship Test Preparation

• Study all 100 questions, but focus on understanding rather than rote memorization
• Practice answering questions verbally to simulate the interview experience
• Stay updated on current political figures and their positions
• Use official USCIS study materials for the most accurate information
• Create a study schedule and stick to it for at least 2 to 3 months before your interview
• Take advantage of special accommodations if you qualify by age or residency duration
• Remember that most officers are understanding and want you to succeed

Becoming a US citizen is one of the most significant milestones in an immigrant’s journey. While the citizenship test might seem intimidating at first, thousands of applicants pass it every day with proper preparation.

I wish you the very best with your citizenship journey! The day you take your Oath of Allegiance will be one of the proudest moments of your life, and all the studying will have been worth it.

Good luck! ✈️